IT was a million miles away from Bollywood.
Instead of the dusty streets and steamy heat typical of the popular Indian movies, there was the concrete lansdscape of a city centre square and icy temperatures.
But there was no shortage of enthusiasm among volunteer dancers who braved the Arctic cold for a moment of stardom.
Bemused shoppers watched on as people of all ages took part in the shooting of a Bollywood-style film trailer in Southampton’s Guildhall Square.
Saturday’s event was organised by Art Asia, the south Asian arts body behind the Southampton Mela Festival.
About 30 members of the public joined professional choreographer Rakhi Sood, Art Asia dancers and members of the Newtown Youth Theatre to show off their newlylearned Indian dance moves.
While some dressed in traditional Bollywood outfits, others just wore bright coloured clothing, but all 55 were forced to take shelter in a nearby café between takes because of the weather.
The event was to publicise a larger celebration on May 21 next year – Bollywood Baraat, an ambitious ten-month project led by Art Asia in partnership with City Eye, the Nuffield Theatre and the John Hansard Gallery.
It is part of a series of one-off projects exploring the twin themes of Bollywood film and weddings from different cultures.
The May celebration will see a traditional Indian wedding procession in the city followed by a large scale live performance in Guildhall Square.
The whole project is expected to cost more than £100,000, which will be raised through grants and sponsorship.
The trailer will be aired in February.
Helen Keall, general manager of Art Asia and project manager for Bollywood Baraat, said: “It’s so inspiring to see all these people braving these Arctic temperatures, and the energy and enthusiasm.
“Because of the commitment and the good humour in the face of these freezing temperatures it could be mid-summer.
“We’re celebrating the different cultures represented in the city. It’s a really nice way of saying this is something that’s relevant to a large proportion of the city.
“We’re trying to bring south Asian arts to the widest range of people and the best way to do that is to be fun and surprising.
“Before they know it they’re dancing.
“That’s the infectious nature of it. It’s really good fun and that’s at the heart of what Art Asia is about.”
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